Headache and Migraine News » treatments

23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?

James — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:51:56 +0000

There may be few surprises in the overall message of this video (although some of the details are quite interesting), but we all need motivation… and what a great way to start a Monday!

The author is Dr. Mike Evans. Dr. Evans is founder of the Health Design Lab at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of Toronto, and a staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital. Check it out…

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?

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Easy ways to get Nausea-Fighting Ginger

James — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:17:41 +0000

We’ve talked before about how excellent ginger is at fighting migraine-related nausea. But what’s the best way to take it? Just grab a ginger root and start gnawing?

No, there are better ways, and most of them aren’t hard at all. Here are some suggestions:

Buy candied ginger: This has been my traditional method. I buy organic candied ginger and keep it on hand for emergencies. This is probably the most expensive method of the ones we’ll talk about today.
Ginger Chews: Somebody recently gave me a box of Ginger Chews, and I’m a convert. I don’t want to wait for nausea to hit – I just want to eat them all now. For those who want something less hot than candied ginger, this is a great way to go. Ginger People Original Ginger Chews are available at Vitacost. Ginger Chews are also available on amazon.
Make your own candied ginger: Making your own is surprisingly easy – like, really easy. According to the author of this recipe, you may find it hotter than the store bought variety, but it’s a lot cheaper. Read How to Make Candied Ginger
Ginger Ale: The store-bought variety may not have a lot of ginger in it, unless you buy a quality brand. However, there are some great ways to make your own super-yummy ginger ale.

There are other options too – ginger tea, for example. But whatever you do, be sure you have something on hand that you can take for your tummy. You’ll probably be surprised at how well this natural treatment works, which is why it’s gotten the attention of researchers and specialists.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Easy ways to get Nausea-Fighting Ginger

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Exercise Fights Migraine (a study of comparison)

James — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:51:47 +0000

It shouldn’t be surprising that exercise is a migraine-fighter, but a recent study published in the journal Cephalalgia in October helps to put the benefits in perspective.

Walking – an excellent way to start

The study of 91 women who had migraine attacks with headache 2-8 times per week. The migraineurs were split into three groups. One group was given topiramate (Topamax), the next was put in a relaxation program, and the last group in an exercise program.

Which helped the most?

Over a three month period, with a follow-up of 3 and 6 months. The surprising result was – that all three groups experienced about the same benefit.

Some patients even found that their symptoms dropped by 75% – a remarkable improvement for any kind of treatment of such frequent migraine attacks.

Considering the possible side effects of topiramate and other medications, and the additional and long term benefits of exercise, it’s clear what we should be focusing on here.

I admit I was surprised at the language of the doctoral student who carried out the study, Dr. Emma Varkey. She says,"Our conclusion is that exercise can act as an alternative to relaxations and topiramate when it comes to preventing migraines, and is particularly appropriate for patients who are unwilling or unable to take preventative medicines."

So we take medicines, and if that doesn’t work we go the alternate route of exercise? I think that this study and a mountain of related research should be putting things the other way around. Let’s find wise, safe ways that migraineurs can exercise, and help them long term, instead of taking money out of their wallets and encouraging them to rely on a pill.

For many migraine patients, it’s going to be a combination – exercise, medication, and other treatments such as relaxation techniques. We need to look to long term benefits and treatment as well as short term relief.

Read more about headache and exercise here, and then get started with these Headache exercise tips…

More on the study from Science Daily: Exercise Just as Good as Drugs at Preventing Migraines, Swedish Study Suggests

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Exercise Fights Migraine (a study of comparison)

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A Blood Test For Migraine?

James — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:23:20 +0000

What if you could have a simple blood test done which could confirm your diagnosis of migraine – and also put you on the road to proper treatment?

True, scientific, individualized treatment is something we’ve been promised for years – but still there’s no good genetic test or blood test or any other kind of test that can diagnose migraine every time and tell you which treatment will be the most effective.

But that’s not to say that blood tests (or other types of tests) are useless. As a matter of fact, there is a blood test that may help some migraine patients discover an important treatment for them. And it’s not only helpful for migraine patients, but for those with depression – and often one patient is dealing with both issues.

And there’s more.

If this test comes up positive, it may also warn you of a higher risk of stroke and heart disease. Sound familiar? Yes, migraine patients (at least some) do seem to have a higher risk of stroke and heart disease.

Now, we’re talking about a simple test that can help you treat migraine, depression, and your risk of heart disease. I should ask those of you with migraine – or migraine and depression – have you ever heard of such a thing? Have you had a blood test done? Some of you I hope will be saying yes. Others of you are wondering why no doctor has sent you for blood work before.

And that would be a good question.

What is the test? It’s a homocysteine test.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that converts into another amino acid known as cysteine. If it’s not converting properly, homocysteine levels rise – and those high levels are linked to the heart disease and to depression.

There’s a link to migraine as well. Those who suffer from migraine with aura in particular seem more likely to have high homocysteine levels. (See The relationship between homocysteine and genes of folate-related enzymes in migraine patients)

In studies of both men and women, high levels were associated with depression, and in many cases lowering homocysteine levels helped to treat the depression significantly. It has been hypothesized that the high levels caused vascular disease and neurotransmitter deficiency, which in turn had an impact on mood. (See The homocysteine hypothesis of depression.)

So just how to all these things fit together? Research is still being done to understand the connection. But there is a connection.

Before we go any further, let’s be clear. We’re not saying homocysteine is a cause of migraine (it could be a trigger, or a result), and we’re not saying that everyone with depression or migraine has high homocysteine levels. And not everyone with high levels is depressed or has migraine disease.

But here’s the problem. It’s very likely that many people suffering from migraine and depression could be helped by dealing with this problem – a problem detected by a simple blood test. But the blood work has never been done. Instead, they’re on two or three medications.

Solving the Problem

So what do you do for high homocysteine levels?

This blood test often goes together with other tests, checking levels of folate, vitamins B12 and B6, and zinc. You see, these vitamins and minerals help with the conversion of homocysteine into cysteine. High homocysteine levels can be an early detector of deficiency.

A proper checkup needs to go along with the blood test – it’s not just a matter of checking the numbers. For example, Dr. Alexander Mauskop of the New York Headache Clinic points out that you could have high levels of B12 and yet still have deficiency – due to problems with the transport of B12 into the blood cells. (See Homocysteine and migraine)

The solution is to make sure proper levels of folate (what folic acid or B9 is in your body), vitamins B12 and B6, and zinc are getting where they need to go in your body.

That doesn’t mean taking a B complex vitamin. It usually means taking higher amounts of folic acid (B9) and B12 than you would find in that B complex pill from the drugstore. And it may mean taking a sublingual version, or an injection. B12 sublingual tablets like these have helped some people.

A good doctor will also help you look at your diet, which could be contributing to the deficiency, and lifestyle issues such as smoking.

The point is, once you are aware of a deficiency, the treatment will very much depend on your individual case, because a number of things can cause the high homocysteine levels. Patients who have tried taking certain vitamins and think it "didn’t work" may need a more complete check-up by a migraine specialist. A different series of vitamins, or different types, or a change in medication may be required to solve the problem.

Though it may not help everyone, this simple test will probably get many on the road to a better treatment. Isn’t it worth talking to your doctor about?

For more, read Can a Simple Blood Test Solve Depression? and Homocysteine and migraine

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

A Blood Test For Migraine?

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Steroid Injections cut Cluster Headache Attacks

James — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:28:58 +0000

This past October, The Lancet Neurology published a study from France using steroid injections for cluster headache patients. Though certainly not the silver bullet for cluster, the treatment did show promise.

The study featured patients who were having at least 2 cluster headache attacks per day. Patients were randomly chosen to take an injection of corticosteroids or a placebo (saline solution). The injections were suboccipital (in the back of the head/neck – the greater occipital nerve), on the same side as the cluster symptoms. All patients were taking verapamil.

Compared to the group on the placebo, patients had on average half of the cluster headache attacks over the next 15 days. Other than some neck pain where the injections were done, there were no side effects recorded.

Both chronic and episodic cluster headache sufferers were a part of the study.

For a condition that has so little available treatment, steroid injections may be a good option to help control cluster attacks.

Hear a doctor’s comments on the study here: Steroid Injections for Cluster Headache?

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Canada: Botox Approved for Chronic Migraine

James — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 01:21:22 +0000

In a step forward for Botox in Canada, Health Canada approved Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) for treatment of chronic migraine.

It was a step back for the makers of Botox in the country (Allergan Canada) back in 2009 when Health Canada began warning patients that Botox could spread to other parts of the body in some cases ("distant toxin spread"). However, for many patients the benefits still outweigh the risks.

Although it hasn’t been the magic bullet for chronic migraine sufferers, it has provided significant relief for many. But that relief comes at a cost – no, quite literally – the treatment tends to be very expensive.

It is hoped that, as the official agencies in various countries recognize the benefits of Botox, that insurance companies will as well. If Botox can significantly cut down on migraine attacks and symptoms, it’s in the best interest of insurance companies to cover the treatment.

Again, this approval is for those with chronic migraine, not those who have an attack once a month. The treatment involves injecting small amounts of Botox beneath the skin, usually around the forehead and temples, and sometimes other locations such as the neck. Learn more about Botox injections here.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Canada: Botox Approved for Chronic Migraine

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Are Your Supplements and Vitamins Shortening Your Life?

James — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 14:53:33 +0000

A study of 38,000 women suggests that taking certain vitamins may shorten your life. Supposed culprits included migraine-fighting magnesium. So the question is – could that migraine-fighter be killing you?

The truth is, you probably have very little to worry about if you’re taking vitamins responsibly. Here’s why.

First, the study wasn’t controlled for every health factor. How could it be? For example, what if a disease shortens your life, and you’re taking vitamins for that? Although some such variables were checked, there are just too many unknowns.

Second, the study relied on the memory of each person. How accurately do you think each participant could remember exactly how what vitamins they took over a lifetime?

And think about this – are people who take more vitamins generally just as healthy as everyone else? Many are taking a supplement because they already don’t feel as healthy as the average person. In addition, a recent study at Psychological Science suggested that many who take vitamins feel they can "cheat" in other ways – skipping good exercise or diet choices.

In the end, this study isn’t giving a lot of solid answers. However, it is true that often vitamin-taking isn’t as helpful as people think. So should you stop taking your vitamins?

You should probably stick to the vitamins – if you have a good reason for taking them. That doesn’t mean a vague idea that more vitamins is better. Instead, it means doing your research and finding out what’s worthwhile to take. For example, the research clearly shows the benefits of magnesium for migraineurs. If it helps you, the benefits of cutting down on migraine symptoms could very well lengthen your life, not shorten it.

Do know why you’re taking your vitamins – then make healthy choices in the rest of your life. Proper rest, good exercise, and a healthy diet are generally going to be far more important that which vitamins you do or do not take.

Finally, be sure to take good quality vitamins. We often talk about which supplements and vitamins to take – which brands, etc. Do your research. A cheap alternative may be useless when a more expensive brand you can’t find at the local pharmacy may be just what you need.

Is this study proof you should stop taking your vitamins? No way. But take them wisely.

via: Vitamins linked with higher death risk in older women

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Are Your Supplements and Vitamins Shortening Your Life?

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Botox and Quality of Life: Does it really help?

James — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:28:59 +0000

Of course there is no treatment that helps everyone, but another study (published in Neurology) has shown that Botox treatment for migraine does help some – and help them in real ways.

You see, some treatments and medications can really cut down on the number of migraine attacks someone has, and yet not really be worth it – because of the side effects. So this study set out to check on patients’ "health-related quality of life". Overall, is their health really better?

1,384 patients were involved in the analysis using a migraine related quality of life questionnaire and the Headache Impact Test (HIT). Compared to a placebo, the quality of life of migraine patients was significantly improved while taking Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA).

Now, this study was funded by the makers of Botox, which is not unusual, but important to note. The company has certainly had its ups and downs when it comes to this migraine treatment.

However, this does support other studies and the testimonials of specialists who are treating patients. And the study was carefully done by well known experts in the field. Botox certainly seems to be a real help to some, and yet there are still important questions about who will benefit most from treatment and how treatment should be done. And in spite of the evidence, many insurance companies are still reluctant to cover a treatment which tends to be expensive.

Hopefully studies like this will provide them with the evidence they’re looking for.

The study can be found here: OnabotulinumtoxinA improves quality of life and reduces impact of chronic migraine
via: Botox improves quality of life

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Botox and Quality of Life: Does it really help?

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Pycnogenol: A Quiet Campaign

James — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:28:19 +0000

Back in early 2007 we talked about Pycnogenol, a supplement taken from pine bark extract (a European pine called the Landes Pine). Since then, you haven’t heard a lot about Pycnogenol in migraine circles. However, that is not a sign that the research has stopped.

As a matter of fact, I was surprised when, a few days ago, my doctor actually recommended it. That’s right, an MD – he recommended a natural supplement for pain.

Now most of the research lately has not been specifically in the area of migraine. And the research has not always been as helpful as we might like – using careful, standardized procedures to really nail down the uses of Pycnogenol.

But the interest certainly continues, and the studies continue to suggest that this is a useful supplement. Although studies have been done regarding everything from blood pressure to erectile disfunction, there are some main benefits of the supplement which continue to emerge.

Pycnogenol is probably best known as an antioxidant – one of the best available. Antioxidants provide a number of benefits to the body by fighting the oxidative damage that happens in the body, impacting you through issues like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

It’s also known as an anti-inflammatory, which could help stop pain associated with inflammation due to migraine and other types of headache.

Skin health, eye health, heart health, men’s health, women’s health – Pycnogenol is now suspiciously included in hundreds (yes, hundreds) of products, including specialty foods and beverages, supplements, and even cosmetic products.

Though some of these may be an excuse to up the price for something you’re getting from your veggies anyway, there seems to be little doubt that Pycnogenol does provide significant benefits to the body, and may become more and more useful in the treatment of specific conditions.

Such as chronic pain, including migraine.

Thinking of giving it a try? Nature’s Way is a good standardized brand which recommends taking 50mg for every 50-60lbs of body weight for 1-2 weeks, then halving your dose to 50mg per 100-120lbs of body weight. Most adults can try 100mg per day after the initial 1-2 weeks.

However, be sure to talk to your doctor, specifically if you’re already dealing with heart problems.

Pycnogenol supplements are available from Nature’s Way, Source Naturals, and various other brands. Check with amazon.com to compare prices.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Pycnogenol: A Quiet Campaign

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Feverfew and Ginger Combo for Migraine

James — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:29:51 +0000

There is growing interest in a feverfew/ginger combination in the treatment of migraine. A study last month from the American Headache Society further confirmed that feverfew and ginger may help some patients when an attack hits.

The supplement used was LipiGesic-M, a sub-lingual supplement to be taken when a migraine attack begins. It contains feverfew (pyrethrum parthenium) and ginger.

Feverfew is a well researched migraine fighter. It’s often given as a preventative, and has been very helpful to many migraineurs. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, and may have other mechanisms we’re just starting to understand. Read more about feverfew here.

Ginger is also well known in the fight against migraine, particularly helping to fight nausea.

The suggestion has been that this combo is best for those who have a mild headache phase early in the migraine attack. Patients in this study, then, took the LipiGesic-M early on. 32% were pain free at the 2 hour point, and a total of 63% were either pain free or only had a mild headache two hours after taking the supplement.

This may turn out to be a good option for many people who can catch an attack early. There were very few side effects, the most commonly reported being nausea or numbness in the tongue. (If you think it’s odd that this would cause nausea for some and fight it for others, think of all the headache medications that list "headache" as a possible side effect!)

As with anything, check with a doctor who knows your medical history before you try something new. Find out more on the LipiGesic-M site.

For a summary of the study, see A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of Sublingual Feverfew and Ginger (LipiGesic(TM) M) in the Treatment of Migraine.

From the Headache and Migraine News Blog

Feverfew and Ginger Combo for Migraine